1993 Mercury Cougar XR-7 3.8L from North America

Summary:

Faults:

So far nothing major, I bought the car last year as a daily driver for $1000.

The a/c stopped working before I bought the car.

Some directions of the power mirrors don't work.

Leather seats have normal wear.

Very loud with high rpm driving (sounds like the exhaust hitting something)

General Comments:

Overall I can't complain, It has a few problems here and there from 12 years usage in the northern us, mainly rocker panel rust/lower door panel rust. Nothing major.

I bought this car last year as a daily driver as my 99 Silverado kept having constant problems, leaving me stranded and looking at a tow truck bill and money for new parts. Bought it for $1000 from a friend at a local garage, well aware of all the minor things.

For a big car, it has plenty of power to get it moving and gets about 25mpg. It rides nice. The 3.8L V6 makes plenty of power.

23rd Sep 2010, 17:37

I would seriously get rid of this Cougar right away. Mine made the same noise at high speeds, and this is the rod in your engine ready to go up on you. If it does, you will have to replace the engine. BIG MONEY.

1993 Mercury Cougar XR7 3.8 V6 from North America

Summary:

It is one awesome little car.

Faults:

The head light switch had to be replaced at 350,900 miles. The ball joints in the front end are starting to go bad. The leather in the seats is tearing at a few places in both front seats. The rear seat leather is only starting to crack. The thermostat has gone out a few times. The Odometer has recently quit counting miles. The radio will reset itself about once a month.

General Comments:

The car is the smoothest handling car I have ever driven. It corners great. It provides a real smooth ride at highway speeds.

1993 Mercury Cougar XR7 V.6 from North America

Summary:

Faults:

Blew head gasket at about 120,000 miles-fixed completely within one week.

Driver's side seat wears badly. Has some slightly significant damage, but nothing to gripe about.

Cigarette lighter would "fly" out when hot. Landed between my legs once while driving alone-scary experience.

Driver's side door panel has totally detached itself-but every electric feature still works perfectly.

Driver's side door doesn't close correctly without extra assistance. Switch on the inside of the door must be flipped up before shutting.

Twice my interior lights and the beeping noise a vehicle makes when a door is open or etc.. have all come on and never shut off. Had to remove fuse to stop the dinging noise and turn off interior lights.

Since I first purchased the car it sometimes makes a rattling noise somewhere under the hood when the car is being either accelerated or climbing steep terrain. Two different opinions told me that it was the catalytic converters breaking up which could be fixed easily by installing a metal bar rather than purchasing the two converters for approx. $80 each.

Other opinion said it could possibly be the heating core. That's all I know. I've driven the vehicle for over a year with this slight disturbance and have never experienced any performance or well-running problems.

Muffler came loose once, but was easily repaired in 2 minutes flat by a mechanic with a blowtorch.

Car's only way of opening the gas cache is from inside the vehicle. Ignition must be on and a button pushed located inside the glovebox. Traveling alone once, I stopped to buy gas and found I couldn't open the gas cap by myself. Covering jammed and I couldn't pry it open with one hand and push the glovebox button with the other. Dangerous possibilities in secluded areas with low resources.

Automatic seatbelts have occasionally, but rarely malfunctioned.

Car's alarm/panic system has a mind of it's own. The alarm has never worked when it was supposed to-only when I was pumping gas. Go figure.

All window and tire trim is gone.

Brake pads had to be replaced.

Car has always shook obviously while braking.

Electronic keypad on outside of driver's door works well, but the plastic cracked and broke off during a winter freeze.

Car interior is beautiful, but a true dirt magnet. Car could be cleaned thoroughly on a daily basis and still acquire dust.

General Comments:

Very under-estimated powerful car.

Accelerates amazingly fast and superb.

Number one in comfort and design.

Very reliable-sometimes strangely so-car seems to possess a conscience of it's own.

Handles supremely in all weather conditions and different terrains.

Smooth and enjoyable ride even at high speeds.

I raced mine against a 2000 model Cadillac and stayed nose to nose. This car is eleven years old and still in top condition and doesn't disappoint.

Excellent interior lighting and sound system. Cruise control is luxurious when combined with the leather seating.

My car takes off much faster than any other car I've ever necked with at stoplights.